Patricia A. Brandao

Patricia A. (Piechota) Brandao , 75, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at her home. She was born in Fall River to the late Edward P. and Eliza C. (Gajda) Piechota.  Pat was educated in the former Leonard School, Taunton High School, and Chandler School for Women in Boston, Massachusetts where she earned a two-year certificate in Medical Secretarial Studies.

She was the wife of Armand V. Brandao, Jr. and lived most of her life in Taunton, resisting her husband’s desire to move to California when he retired.  She raised one son, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Adam P. Brandao, of whom she was justifiably proud.  She is also survived by and became especially close to her daughter-in-law, Stephanie (Wilburn) Brandao, during her terminal illness.

Pat was a 46-1/2-year employee of Schneider Electric’s Invensys, the former Foxboro Company, from which she retired as a data base administrator.

She loved the beach, her pets, and gardening.  She supported the local animal shelter and was a loyal friend who treasured life-long friendships, such as with her childhood best friend Ann Marie (Banas) Whitters and her Chandler School roommate, Brendy (Meserve) Horn.

She was predeceased by her parents, and several aunts and uncles and is survived by several cousins from both the Piechota family.  The ashes of her cats, Odin and Goldie, will be interred with her, while she is survived by her calico cat, Caleigh.

Pat’s high school yearbook called her “small but mighty” and that was no exaggeration.  She had a natural flair for leadership and was uncompromisingly forthright in her dealings with others.  She valued integrity and kindness above all else in other people and always displayed these virtues in her own behavior.  Outspoken and sometimes brash, she always tried to do the right thing, but reserved the right to complain about impositions made on her.

Her life completed the circle of service, taking care of her elderly parents in their later years, as they had cared for her in her childhood.  She also became the default caregiver to an elderly aunt and disabled cousin and was always sensitive to the needs of others.

Often disappointed by her husband, she remained a loving wife and tolerated her reduced expectations, but not silently.  While she delighted in her son’s successes, she most valued his having become a good man, demonstrating his mother’s forthrightness and kindness, love of animals, and service to others.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Pat’s family on Sunday, September 25, 2022, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, in the Sowiecki-Snyder Home for Funerals, 69 West Britannia Street, Taunton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 26, 2022, at 10:00 am, at Holy Rosary Church, 80 Bay Street, Taunton (everyone is asked to meet directly at church)

Interment will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Taunton.

In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to support worthwhile charities, especially those caring for animals.  However, her memory can best be honored by always wearing bright colors and being kind to others in their times of need.

For directions and online condolences, please visit www.sowieckifh.com or on Facebook at Sowiecki-Snyder Home for Funerals & Cremation Services.